Device and method for providing visual ability training using visual perceptual learning

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a method for providing visual perception training using visual perception learning, the method comprising the steps of: obtaining a field-of-view map having a plurality of unit regions to which a vision index reflecting a user&#39;s vision ability is assigned; providing a first session using a visual perception task which is performed by displaying a first visual object for central fixation of the user&#39;s field of view and a second visual object in the vicinity of the first visual object, and requests the user&#39;s response related to at least the second visual object; determining a vision ability changed region among the plurality of unit regions on the basis of the user&#39;s response from the first session; and providing a second session using the visual perception task.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a continuation of International PatentApplication No. PCT/KR2021/002970, filed on Mar. 10, 2021, which isbased upon and claims the benefit of priority to Korean PatentApplication No. 10-2020-0031094 filed on Mar. 13, 2020. The disclosuresof the above-listed applications are hereby incorporated by referenceherein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

The inventive concept relates to a device and method for providingvisual perceptual training, and more particularly, to a device andmethod for providing visual perceptual training using visual perceptuallearning.

Recently, as more patients are suffering from brain-related diseasesincluding stroke, interest in visual field defect due to brain functionimpairment is increasing. For example, when a patient with impairedfunction of the left visual cortex opens both eyes and looks to thefront, a visual field defect occurs in the right visual field to causehemi-blindness with the inability to recognize objects. There is a studyreport reporting that the perception for movement is improved after fiveadults with damaged primary visual cortex have been subjected to visualperceptual learning to treat these visual field defects. (Huxlin et al.J Neurosci 2009)

Accordingly, conventionally, treatment for visual field defect has beenperformed in such a way that a stimulus is repeatedly applied to theperipheral area of a patient's visual field and the patient providesreaction when recognizing the stimulus. However, there is a problem inthat the patient is only accustomed to the conventional treatment methodthat is repeatedly performed, and the treatment effect is loweredbecause visual perceptual learning is not achieved on the patient.

Therefore, there is a need to develop a technology for providing avisual perceptual training that is actually used to improve thepatient's cognitive ability in such a way that patients actually performvisual perceptual learning.

SUMMARY

An object of the inventive concept is to provide a device and method forproviding visual perceptual training using visual perceptual learning toidentify visual objects.

An object of the inventive concept is to provide a device and method forproviding visual perceptual training, which control the frequency oftraining of a region, in which a vision ability is improved ordeteriorated, through visual perceptual learning.

The problem to be solved by the inventive concept is not limited to theabove-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned will be clearlyunderstood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the inventiveconcept belongs from the present specification and the accompanyingdrawings.

According to the inventive concept, a method for providing visualperceptual training using visual perceptual learning, the method beingperformed by a device for providing visual perceptual training, includesobtaining a visual field map having a plurality of unit regions to whicha vision index reflecting a user's vision ability is assigned,displaying a first visual object for central fixation of a user's visualfield and at least one second visual object around the first visualobject, providing a first session using a visual perceptual task forrequesting a response related to the second visual object from the user,determining a vision ability-changed region among the plurality of unitregions based on the response of the user from the first session, andproviding a second session using the visual perceptual task, wherein thesecond session displays the second visual object at a locationcorresponding to the vision ability-changed region more frequently thanat locations corresponding to remaining regions of the plurality of unitregions.

The response of the user may be related to an attribute of the secondvisual object, and the attributes of the second visual object mayinclude at least one of existence or absence, contrast, size, shape,color, display time, brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, and depth.

The response of the user may be as to whether the attributes of thefirst visual object and the second visual object are the same.

The second visual object may be displayed more number of times at asecond location corresponding to a second unit region in which a changein vision ability is larger than that of a first unit region, ascompared to a first location corresponding to the first unit regionamong the user's vision ability-changed regions, and the first locationmay be different from the second location.

The vision ability-changed region may be determined as a region in whichthe vision index changes by more than a predetermined value among theplurality of unit regions.

The vision ability-changed region may include at least one of a visionability-improved region reflecting improvement of the user's visionability and a vision ability-deteriorated region reflectingdeterioration of the user's vision ability, and the second visual objectin the second session may be displayed more number of times at alocation corresponding to the vision ability-deteriorated region,compared to at a location corresponding to the vision ability-improvedregion.

The visual perceptual task may request an additional response related tothe first visual object from the user, the additional response mayrelate to an attribute of the first visual object, and the attributes ofthe first visual object may include at least one of existence orabsence, contrast, size, shape, color, display time, brightness,movement, rotation, pattern, and depth.

The obtaining of the visual field map may include providing anevaluation session using the visual perceptual task, the generating thevisual field map based on the evaluation session, and the visual fieldmap may be generated based on whether a response related to the secondvisual object is correct in the evaluation session.

Further, a first vision index may be assigned to a first unit regionhaving a first correct rate with respect to a response related to thesecond visual object, a second vision index may be assigned to a secondunit region having a second correct rate greater than the first correctrate with respect to a response related to the second visual object, andthe second vision index may reflect a higher vision ability than thefirst vision index.

Further, a device for providing visual perceptual training using visualperceptual learning includes a display, an input module that obtains asignal corresponding to an input of a user, and a controller thatcontrols an operation related to the visual perceptual training usingthe visual perceptual learning, wherein the controller may obtain avisual field map having a plurality of unit regions to which a visionindex reflecting a user's vision ability is assigned, allow the displayto display a first visual object for central fixation of a user's visualfield and at least one second visual object around the first visualobject, provide a first session using a visual perceptual task forrequesting a response related to the second visual object from the user,determine a vision ability-changed region among a plurality of unitregions based on the response of the user obtained through the inputmodule from the first session, and provide a second session using thevisual perceptual task, wherein the second session displays the secondvisual object at a location corresponding to the vision ability-changedregion more frequently than at locations corresponding to remainingregions of the plurality of unit regions.

The solutions to be solved by the inventive concept is not limited tothe above-mentioned solutions, and the solutions not mentioned will beclearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which theinventive concept belongs from the present specification and theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The above and other objects and features will become apparent from thefollowing description with reference to the following figures, whereinlike reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the variousfigures unless otherwise specified, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a visual perceptualtask is provided to a device for providing visual perceptual trainingaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of a device for providingvisual perceptual training according to an embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for providing visual perceptualtraining according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples of a visual field map according to anembodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a correspondence relationshipbetween a visual field map and an output screen according to anembodiment;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining a visual field map usinga visual perceptual task according to an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen for providing a visual perceptualtask according to an embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for providing a visual perceptual taskaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for providing a visual perceptualtask according to another embodiment;

FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing screens for providing a visualperceptual task according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for determining a main stimulation regionaccording to an embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for providing visual perceptualtraining according to an embodiment;

FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing changes in a visual field mapsobtained at different points of time according to an embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining a visionability-changed region according to an embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method for determining a visionability-changed region according to another embodiment;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for providing a second session basedon a vision ability-changed region according to an embodiment; and

FIGS. 21 and 22 are examples of screens provided in the first sessionand the second session according to an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Advantages and features of the inventive concept and methods forachieving them will be apparent with reference to embodiments describedbelow in detail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. However,the inventive concept is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below,but can be implemented in various forms, and these embodiments are tomake the disclosure of the inventive concept complete, and are providedso that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those of ordinary skill in the art,which is to be defined only by the scope of the claims.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularembodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventiveconcept. The singular expressions include plural expressions unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, the terms“comprises” and/or “comprising” are intended to specify the presence ofstated elements, but do not preclude the presence or addition ofelements. Like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout thespecification, and “and/or” includes each and all combinations of one ormore of the mentioned elements. Although “first”, “second”, and the likeare used to describe various components, these components are of coursenot limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish onecomponent from another. Thus, a first element discussed below could betermed a second element without departing from the teachings of theinventive concept.

As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example,instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein asexemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred oradvantageous over other implementations.

The term “unit, as used herein, means, but is not limited to, a softwareor hardware component, such as a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) oran Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), which performscertain tasks. However, “˜ unit” is not meant to be limited to softwareor hardware. “A unit” may be configured to reside in an addressablestorage medium or may be configured to reproduce one or more processors.As an example, “˜ unit” may include components such as softwarecomponents, object-oriented software components, class components andtask components, processes, functions, attributes, procedures,sub-routines, segments of program codes, drivers, firmware, microcodes,circuitry, data, databases, data structures, tables, arrays, andvariables. The functionality provided within elements and “parts” may becombined into a smaller number of elements and “parts” or furtherseparated into additional elements and “parts.”

Further, in this specification, all “units” may be controlled by atleast one processor, and at least one processor may perform operationsperformed by “units” of the present disclosure.

Embodiments of the present specification may be described in terms of afunction or a block performing a function. These blocks, which may bereferred to herein as units or modules or the like, are physicallyimplemented by analog and/or digital circuits such as logic gates,integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, memory circuits,passive electronic components, active electronic components, opticalcomponents, hardwired circuits and the like, and may optionally bedriven by firmware and/or software.

Embodiments of the present specification may be implemented using atleast one software program running on at least one hardware device andmay perform a network management function to control an element.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will befurther understood that terms such as those defined in commonly useddictionaries, will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formalsense unless expressly so defined herein.

Spatially relative terms, such as “below”, “beneath”, “lower”, “above”,and “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that thespatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the exemplary term “below” can encompass both anorientation of above and below. Components may also be oriented in otherorientations, and thus spatially relative terms may be interpretedaccording to orientations.

As used herein, perceptual learning refers to learning to improve theperception of a stimulus with repetitive exposure to the same stimulus.In other words, in the present specification, the visual perceptuallearning refers to learning to improve the perception of a visualstimulus through repetitive training that provides the visual stimulus.As a result of visual perceptual learning, learners can see things thatthey have not seen before or notice differences that they could notdistinguish before. Visual perceptual learning should be broadlyinterpreted to include learning to improve the ability to identifyobjects from stimuli incoming from the outside through the visual organ,as well as learning to improve the ability to discover objects from thestimuli.

In the present specification, the visual field deficit means a disorderof the visual system from the retina to the cerebral cortex or anabnormality of the visual field. For example, visual field deficitshould be broadly interpreted to include visual field defects due todeath (or dysfunction) of retinal ganglion cells as well as visual fielddefects due to damage to brain function.

As used herein, “training” refers to any action in which the visualfield defect symptom is improved or is beneficially changed. Forexample, but not limited to, training may be a measure to obtain effectssuch as suppressing the progression of visual field deficit, reducingthe rate of progression of visual field defects, stopping progression ofvisual field deficit, and improving visual field deficit.

As used herein, the expression “task” may refer to a goal and/or purposeto be achieved by a user. For example, a computerized task may berendered using computerized components, and a user may be instructed asto a goal or purpose for performing the computerized task. A task mayrequire an individual to provide or withhold a response to a particularstimulus.

As used herein, the expression “session” may refer to a time period,having a beginning and an end, during which a user interacts with adevice to receive training from the device. For example, a session maybe 1 second, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 1 hour, 12 hours, a day, a week, amonth, or the like. Hereinafter, a device for providing visualperceptual training and a method for providing visual perceptualtraining will be described.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a visual perceptualtask is provided to a device for providing visual perceptual trainingaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining may provide a visual perceptual task for training for a visualfield defect.

The visual cortex is a region located in the occipital lobe directlyinvolved in visual information processing within the cerebral cortex,and the sensory regions of the cerebral cortex receive and processsignals from sensory organs including body sensory such as touch andpain, and sight, hearing, taste, and smell to allow the sensory to berecognized and perceived. When there is a problem in one of thesepathways, perception of a relevant sensory may become impossible.

Specifically, in the process of a person's recognition of a sensorystimulus (e.g., a visual stimulus), a sensory stimulus (e.g., a visualstimulus) is input to a sensory organ (e.g., an eye) to performsensation, and the sensory area of the cerebrum (e.g., the visualcortex) performs perception to perform the recognition of derivingmeaning by associating sensory representations (e.g., visualrepresentations) with memory representations.

In this case, when the sensory organ of a person with the damaged visualcortex receives the visual stimulus, there is no abnormality in thesensory process of the sensory organ, but the brain may not perceive thevisual stimulus and thus the person may not see an object. For example,in patients with visual field impairment due to brain damage, visualcortex abnormalities may occur, resulting in visual field deficit inwhich some region of the visual field cannot be seen.

However, in a person with a partially damaged visual cortex, the role ofthe damaged brain cells can be partially replaced by the intact braincells, so that the visual function can be restored, which is calledneuroplasticity.

As a method for promoting such neuroplasticity, visual perceptuallearning that continuously provides stimulation to brain cells (e.g.,damaged brain cells) may be used. Accordingly, the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training may provide training for a visualfield deficit by providing a visual perceptual task for visualperceptual learning.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may provide a screen for a visual perceptual task inwhich a visual object for gaze fixation is displayed, and another visualobject is displayed in an area around the visual object. Here, thedevice 100 for providing visual perceptual training may provide a visualperceptual task and receive a patient response related to the visualobject from a user. For example, the apparatus 100 for providing visualperceptual training may display a visual object rotating in a specificdirection and receive a response from a patient related to the rotationdirection of the visual object.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a configuration of an apparatus forproviding visual perceptual training according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining may include an output module 1100, an input module 1200, amemory 1300, a communication module 1400, and a controller 1500.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may includevarious devices capable of performing computational processing. Forexample, the apparatus 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayinclude a desktop PC, a mobile phone, a smart phone, a laptop computer,personal digital assistants (PDA), a portable multimedia player (PMP), aslate PC, a tablet PC, an ultrabook, a wearable device, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may be worn on any part of the body and used in sucha way that the output module 1100 faces a user's eyes. For example, thedevice 100 for providing visual perceptual training may include a headmounted device, such as a head mounted display (HMD) mounted on a user'shead to display a video, smart glasses, and smart goggles, or a displaydevice such as a mobile phone used while mounted on a head-mounteddevice, or the like.

The output module 1100 may output a video or an image. For example, theoutput module 1100 may include an LCD, an OLED, an AMOLED display, andthe like. Here, when the output module 1100 is provided as a touchscreen, the output module 1110 may perform the function of the inputmodule 1200. In this case, the separate input module 1200 may not beprovided according to selection, and the input module 1200 capable ofperforming limited functions such as volume control, power button, andhome button may be provided. As another example, the output module 1100may be provided in the form of an image output port for transmittingimage information to an external display device.

According to an embodiment, the screen of the output module 1100 mayinclude a first display unit corresponding to the left eye of a patientand a second display unit corresponding to the right eye of the patient.Here, the first display unit may output a first image, and the seconddisplay unit may output a second image. The controller 1500 may adjustthe distance between the first image and the second image, the degree ofoverlap, and the like to adjust the parallax, focus, or the like of theimage provided to a user.

Also, the output module 1100 may display an image for visual perceptuallearning of a user. For example, the output module 1100 may visuallyoutput a process before starting a visual perceptual task, aninstruction, an image for performing the visual perceptual task, and thelike.

Also, the output module 1100 may output information to be provided tothe user in various ways. For example, the output module 1100 mayinclude a speaker, a motor, a haptic device, a vibrator, a signal outputcircuit, and the like, and may be a module that outputs various stimuli.

Also, the output module 1100 may audibly or tactilely output informationfor the visual perceptual task. Specifically, the output module 1100 mayoutput an alarm indicating the start and end of a training session in anaudible or tactile manner.

According to an embodiment, the output module 1100 may output a stimulusfor other perceptual learning (e.g., auditory perceptual learning). Forexample, the output module 1100 may output, but not limited thereto, anauditory stimulus for auditory perceptual learning. Specifically, theoutput module 1100 may output an instruction for informing a rulerelated to an auditory perceptual task, an auditory stimulus for theauditory perceptual task, and the like.

The input module 1200 may obtain a signal corresponding to a user input.For example, the input module 1200 may receive a user input forperforming a visual perceptual task, a user input for adjusting thefocus of an image for a visual perceptual task during visual perceptuallearning, and a user input for receiving a user response requested bythe visual perceptual task, or the like.

Also, the input module 1200 may include a keyboard, a key pad, a button,a jog shuttle, a wheel, and the like. In addition, the user input in theinput module 1200 may be, for example, a press of a button, a touch, anda drag. Also, when the output module 1100 is implemented with a touchscreen, the output module 1100 may serve as the input module 1200.

According to an embodiment, the input module 1200 may be configured as aseparate module connected to the device 100 wirelessly or by wire. Forexample, the device 100 may provide an image for a visual perceptualtask to a user through the output module 1100 mounted on and attached tothe user's head, and receive an input for a visual perceptual task fromthe user through the input module 1200 configured as a separate modulegiven to the user's hand.

The memory 1300 may store various types of data. For example, the memory1300 may store data related to a visual perceptual task. Specifically,the memory 1300 may store a program for executing a visual perceptualtask, user information (e.g., user personal information, a user'sresponse when a task is performed, the result of a user's visualperceptual task), data related to a user's visual field map, and thelike.

Also, the memory 1300 may include at least one type of storage mediumamong a flash memory type, a hard disk type, a multimedia cardmicrotype, a card type memory (e.g., SD or XD memory), random accessmemory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM), read-only memory(ROM), electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),programmable read-only memory (PROM), magnetic memory, magnetic disk,and optical disk. In addition, the memory 1300 may temporarily,permanently, or semi-permanently store information, and may be providedas a built-in or removable type.

The communication module 1400 may communicate with an external device.For example, the communication module 1400 may communicate with a server(not shown). Specifically, the communication module 1400 may transmitdata related to a user's visual perceptual task to the server, and mayreceive a personalized feedback therefor from the server.

Also, the communication module 1400 may perform communication accordingto wired and wireless communication standards. For example, thecommunication module 1400 may include a mobile communication module forBLE (Bluetooth Low Energy), Bluetooth, WLAN (Wireless LAN), WiFi(Wireless Fidelity), WiFi Direct, NFC (Near Field Communication),Infrared Data Association (IrDA), UWB (Ultra Wide Band), Zigbee, 3G, 4Gor 5G, and a wired/wireless module for transmitting data through variousother communication standards.

The controller 1500 may control each component of the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training or process and calculate varioustypes of information. For example, the controller 1500 may output animage for the visual perceptual task through the output module 1100.Specifically, the controller 1500 may determine the position of a visualobject on the output module 1100 in a visual perceptual task based on anacquired user's visual field map, and display the visual object at aposition determined through the output module 1100.

The controller 1500 may be implemented by software, hardware, or acombination thereof. For example, in hardware, the controller 1500 maybe implemented with a field programmable gate array (FPGA), anapplication specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a semiconductor chip, orother various types of electronic circuits. Also, for example, insoftware, the controller 1500 may be implemented in a logic programexecuted according to the above-described hardware or in variouscomputer languages.

In the following description, unless otherwise stated, it may beunderstood that the operation of the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training is performed under the control of the controller1500.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training shown in FIG. 2is merely an example, and the configuration of the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training is not limited thereto, and thefunction performed by each component of the device 100 for providingvisual perceptual training is not necessarily performed by thecorresponding component and may be performed by another component. Forexample, although it has been described that the memory 1300 of thedevice 100 for providing visual perceptual training stores data relatedto the user's visual perceptual task, a server connected to the device100 for providing visual perceptual training through wired/wirelesscommunication may store data related to the visual perceptual task of auser.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method for providing visual perceptualtraining according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 3 , a method for providing visual perceptual trainingaccording to an embodiment may include obtaining a visual field map(S1000) and providing a visual perceptual task (S2000).

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may obtain auser's visual field map (S1000). For example, the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training may obtain a visual field map of atleast one of both eyes of a user.

The visual field map is a map indicating the user's visual field rangeand vision ability. For example, the visual field map may include aplurality of unit regions to which a vision index reflecting the user'svision ability is assigned. Specifically, the visual field map mayinclude at least one of a normal region and a defect region.

The vision index is for classifying the user's vision ability, and maybe any parameter reflecting the user's vision ability, such as a visionability score. For example, when the vision index is in the form of ascore, the vision index may have a smaller value as the vision abilityis worse.

According to an embodiment, in the visual field map, the regions may bedistinguished based on the vision indexes. For example, the vision indexmay be used to determine the defect region in the visual field map.Specifically, a region to which a vision index in a preset range isassigned may be determined as the defect region. As another example, thevision index may be used to determine whether a vision ability-changedregion exists in the visual field map. Specifically, in the visual fieldmap, a region in which the assigned vision index changes over time maybe determined as the vision ability-changed region.

Of course, when the vision index is in the form of a score, the visionindex may be used to classify the regions of the visual field map invarious ways, such as in such a way that a region to which a visionindex lower than a preset value is assigned is determined as the defectregion.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are examples of a visual field map according to anembodiment.

Referring to FIG. 4 , a vision index displayed darker as the visionability is worse may be assigned to a plurality of unit regions of thevisual field map.

The visual field map may have a plurality of unit regions to whichvision indexes are assigned respectively. Each region of the visualfield map may be assigned a vision index that is displayed darker as thevision ability is worse.

On the visual field map to which the vision index as described above isassigned, a dark region may be a defect region, and a bright region maybe a normal region.

For example, a region brighter than a preset brightness on the visualfield map may be a normal region, and a region darker than the presetbrightness on the visual field map may be a defect region. Specifically,a gray region of the visual field map may be a defect region like thedark region, or may be determined as a normal region, according to apreset brightness.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a vision index given a lower score as the visionability is worse may be assigned to a plurality of unit regions of thevisual field map.

On the visual field map to which the vision index is assigned, a regionwith a low score may be a defect region, and a region with a high scoremay be a normal region. For example, a region to which a score higherthan a preset score is assigned on the visual field map may be a normalregion, and a region to which a score lower than the preset score isassigned on the visual field map may be a defect region. Referring toFIG. 5 , when the preset score is —20, a region assigned a score lowerthan ˜20 on the visual field map may be a defect region.

Of course, when the vision index is in the form of a score, the regionsof the visual field map may be divided in various ways, such as in sucha way that a region to which a vision index lower than a preset value isassigned is determined as a defect region. In addition, the visual fieldmap is not limited to a circle-shaped visual field map, and may beimplemented as a different form of visual field map, such as a visualfield map of a different shape, such as a rectangle or a hexagon, whichis not a circle shape.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may match the acquired visual field map with ascreen output through the output module 1100.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a correspondence relationshipbetween a visual field map and an output screen according to anembodiment.

FIG. 6A is a view showing a visual field map obtained by the device 100for providing visual perceptual training, and FIG. 6B is a view showingan output screen corresponding to the visual field map of FIG. 6A.Referring to FIGS. 6A and 6B, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may match the acquired visual field map with ascreen output through the output module 1100. For example, thecontroller 1500 may obtain a visual field map, and map the obtainedvisual field map and an output screen to each other.

Accordingly, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training maydisplay a visual object through the output module 1100 at a positioncorresponding to a specific region of the visual field map whenproviding a visual perceptual task based on the visual field map.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may obtain a visual field map based on a result of avisual field test for a user. For example, the controller 1500 mayobtain a result of a separate visual field test for the user, andgenerate a visual field map having a plurality of unit regions to whichvision indexes reflecting the user's vision ability are respectivelyassigned based on the result.

Here, the visual field test may include, but is not limited to, a staticvisual field test or a dynamic visual field test. For example, thevisual field test may be a Goldmann visual field test, a Humphrey visualfield test, and the like. To this end, the device 100 for providingvisual perceptual training may obtain the result of the visual fieldtest for the user, which is generated from a separate visual fieldtester or from a visual field tester included in the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training.

In addition, the step of obtaining the visual field map (S1000) mayinclude generating, by the device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining, information related to the visual field map. For example, thecontroller 1500 may generate a table including data regarding aplurality of unit regions of the visual field map, a vision index, andthe like.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may obtain a visual field map by providing anevaluation session using a visual perceptual task. For example, thecontroller 1500 may display a visual stimulus (e.g., a visual object) invarious unit regions on the output module 1100 and obtain a visual fieldmap based on a response received from the user for each unit region.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart of a method for obtaining a visual field map usinga visual perceptual task according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the method for obtaining a visual field map usinga visual perceptual task according to an embodiment may includeproviding an evaluation session using a visual perceptual task (S1100),determining whether a correct response is provided for each unit region(S1300), and generating a visual field map based on whether a correctresponse is provided for each unit region (S1500).

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may provide anevaluation session using a visual perceptual task (S1100). For example,the controller 1500 may provide an evaluation session using a visualperceptual task, which will be described later.

Specifically, the controller 1500 may provide a screen for a visualperceptual task in which a visual object for gaze fixation is displayedin a central region and other visual objects are displayed in peripheralregions of the visual object. Here, the visual object may be displayedat least once in all unit regions on the screen.

Also, the controller 1500 may provide a visual perceptual task andrequest a user's response related to the visual object from the user.Here, the user's response related to the visual object may be a responserelated to the attribute of the visual object.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may determinewhether a correct response is provided for each unit region (S1300).

For example, the controller 1500 may determine whether the user'sresponse related to the visual object is correct or not in theevaluation session. Specifically, the controller 1500 may determinewhether the user's response related to the visual object is correct foreach unit region in which the visual object is displayed in theevaluation session.

Also, the controller 1500 may identify a rate (correct answer rate) atwhich the user's response related to the visual object is correct in theevaluation session. For example, when the visual object is displayed aplurality of times, the controller 1500 may determine how many times acorrect response is obtained from the user.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may generate avisual field map based on whether a correct response is provided foreach unit region (S1500).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may generate a visualfield map based on whether a correct response is provided for each unitregion in the evaluation session. For example, the controller 1500 maydetermine a region for which the user makes a correct response as anormal area and a region for which the user makes an incorrect responseas a defect region, and generates a visual field map including aplurality of unit regions based on the results of the determination.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may generate a visualfield map based on a correct rate for each unit region in the evaluationsession. For example, the controller 1500 may generate a visual fieldmap such that a vision index indicating a higher vision ability as thecorrect answer rate for each unit region is higher is allocated to acorresponding unit region.

Here, the first vision index is allocated to the first unit regionhaving a first correct rate with respect to the response related to thesecond visual object, and the second vision index is allocated to thesecond unit region having a second correct rate higher than the firstcorrect rate with respect to the response related to the second visualobject, and the second vision index may reflect a higher vision abilitythan the first vision index.

However, this is not necessary, and the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may obtain the visual field map in another methodwithout being limited to the above-described method, such as receivingthe user's visual field map generated by another device through thecommunication module 1400.

Also, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayprovide a visual perceptual task (S2000).

The controller 1500 may display a visual object on the output module1100 for the user's visual perceptual learning, and provide a visualperceptual task for requesting a response related to identification ofthe displayed visual object. For example, the controller 1500 maydisplay a first visual object and a second visual object through theoutput module 1100 and request a response from the user related to atleast one of the first visual object and the second visual object.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen for providing a visual perceptualtask according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the controller 1500 may display a screen 10providing a visual perceptual task including a first visual object 11and a second visual object 21 through the output module 1100.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display at least oneof the first visual object 11 and the second visual object 21. Forexample, the controller 1500 may display the first visual object 11 inthe center of the screen 10 and display the second visual object 21 inthe periphery.

Also, the controller 1500 may request a response from the user relatedto at least one of the first visual object 11 and the second visualobject 21. For example, the controller 1500 may obtain the user'sresponse that the first visual object 11 is a circle and the secondvisual object 21 is a rectangle. As another example, the controller 1500may obtain the user's response that the first visual object 11 and thesecond visual object 21 are not the same. As another example, thecontroller 1500 may obtain the user's response that the second visualobject 21 exists.

Of course, a request for a response related to the visual object mayinclude various types of requests for user input, and the absence of auser input may be one of the types of the user's response. For example,the controller 1500 may request the absence of a user input when thefirst visual object 11 displayed is a circle.

However, the screen 10 providing the visual perceptual task of FIG. 8 isonly an example, and the screen 10 is not limited thereto, such as beingdisplayed in a different form.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method for providing a visual perceptual taskaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , a method of providing a visual perceptual taskaccording to an embodiment may include displaying a first visual object(S2200), displaying a second visual object around the first visualobject (S2400), and receiving a user's response related to the displayedvisual objects (S2600).

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may display afirst visual object (S2200).

The controller 1500 may display the first visual object for gazefixation through the output module 1100. For example, the controller1500 may display the first visual object at the center point of thescreen through the output module 1100 for central fixation of the user.Of course, the controller 1500 may display the first visual objectthrough the output module 1100 at any position on the central region ofthe screen rather than the central point of the screen.

The first visual object is a stimulus serving as a fixation point for avisual perceptual task, and the first visual object may be provided invarious forms, such as a two-dimensional form or a three-dimensionalform. For example, the first visual object may be provided as acharacter, a figure, a Gabor patch, or the like, but not limitedthereto.

Also, the first visual object may be provided as a visual object havingattributes such as an attribute of rotating in a specific direction, butis not limited thereto. For example, the attribute of the first visualobject may be existence or absence, contrast, color, size, shape,display time, brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, depth, or thelike.

In addition, the first visual object may be provided as a Gabor patchhaving a specific attribute, but is not limited thereto. For example,the attribute of the Gabor patch may be a pattern frequency, a patternorientation, a pattern width, a pattern contrast, or the like.

Also, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training maydisplay the second visual object (S2400).

The controller 1500 may display the second visual object in the vicinityof the first visual object through the output module 1100. For example,the controller 1500 may display the second visual object at a positioncorresponding to the defect region of the user on the screen. Of course,the controller 1500 may display the second visual object at any positionon the screen through the output module 1100, such as at a positioncorresponding to the normal region of the user rather than the positioncorresponding to the defect region of the user on the screen through theoutput module 1100.

The second visual object is a stimulus serving to assist visualperceptual learning by requesting a response from the user, and thesecond visual object may be provided in various forms, such as atwo-dimensional form or a three-dimensional form. For example, thesecond visual object may include a character, a figure, a Gabor patch,or the like, but not limited thereto.

In addition, the second visual object may be provided as a visual objecthaving attributes such as an attribute of rotating in a specificdirection. For example, the attribute of the second visual object may beexistence or absence, contrast, color, size, shape, display time,brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, depth, or the like, but notlimited thereto.

In addition, the second visual object may be provided as a Gabor patchhaving a specific attribute, but is not limited thereto. For example,the attributes of the Gabor patch may be pattern frequency, patterndirection, pattern width, pattern contrast, or the like.

Also, the second visual object may be different from the first visualobject, but may be the same as the first visual object.

Also, the controller 1500 may simultaneously display the second visualobject and the first visual object through the output module 1100. Forexample, the controller 1500 may simultaneously display the secondvisual object and the first visual object through the output module 1100so as to allow the user to check the second visual object while lookingat the first visual object.

Also, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayrequest a response related to the displayed visual objects from the user(S2600).

The controller 1500 may obtain the user's response related to at leastone of the first visual object and the second visual object from theinput module 1200. For example, the controller 1500 may receive from theinput module 1200 a user's response related to at least one attribute ofthe first visual object and the second visual object. Here, theattributes of the visual object may be, for example, existence orabsence, contrast, shape, color, size, display time, brightness,movement, rotation, pattern, depth, and the like.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may obtain a user'sresponse related to the relationship between the first visual object andthe second visual object from the input module 1200.

For example, the controller 1500 may receive, from the input module1200, a user's response related to whether the first visual object andthe second visual object themselves or their attributes are the same.Specifically, the controller 1500 may receive a user's response withrespect to whether of the first visual object and the second visualobject exist or not, or whether the contrasts, colors, shapes, sizes,display times, brightnesses, movements, rotations, patterns, depths, orthe like of the first visual object and the second visual object are thesame.

Also, the method for providing visual perceptual training according toan embodiment may further include determining whether a responseobtained by the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training iscorrect.

The controller 1500 may determine whether the obtained response iscorrect based on the user's response related to the visual object. Forexample, when the controller 1500 obtains, from the input module 1200, auser response that the first and second visual objects are the same whenthe first and second visual objects different from each other aredisplayed through the output module 1100, the controller 1500 maydetermine that the obtained response is not correct.

Also, the method for providing visual perceptual training according toan embodiment may further include adjusting, by the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training, the difficulty of the visualperceptual task.

For example, the controller 1500 may determine the difficulty of thevisual perceptual task based on the obtained user's response.Specifically, the controller 1500 may increase the difficulty of thevisual perceptual task when the user's response related to the visualobject is correct or consecutively correct. In addition, the controller1500 may lower the difficulty of the visual perceptual task when theuser's response is incorrect or is incorrect consecutively.

Also, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may changea screen for providing a visual perceptual task to increase or decreasethe difficulty of the visual perceptual task. For example, thecontroller 1500 may increase or decrease the difficulty of the visualperceptual task by changing the displayed visual object. Specifically,the controller 1500 may change the attribute (e.g., existence orabsence, contrast, size, shape, display time, brightness, movement,rotation, pattern, depth, or the like) of a displayed visual object toincrease or decrease the difficulty of the visual perceptual task.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may increase or decreasethe difficulty of the visual perceptual task by changing the contrast ofthe displayed visual object. For example, the controller 1500 mayincrease the difficulty by lowering the contrast of at least one of thefirst visual object and the second visual object, which is displayed.

Also, according to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may increase ordecrease the difficulty of the visual perceptual task by changing thesize of the displayed visual object. For example, the controller 1500may increase the difficulty by decreasing the size of at least one ofthe first visual object and the second visual object which is displayed.

Also, according to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may increase ordecrease the difficulty of the visual perceptual task by changing a timeduring which the visual object is displayed. For example, the controller1500 may increase the difficulty by decreasing the display time of atleast one of the first visual object and the second visual object.

Of course, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayincrease or decrease the difficulty of a visual perceptual task invarious methods such as changing the brightness, saturation, and size ofa screen that provides the visual perceptual task, or changing thenumber of displayed visual objects to increase or decrease thedifficulty, without being limited to the above-described method. Forexample, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayincrease the number of displayed visual objects to increase thedifficulty of the visual perceptual task.

Hereinafter, various embodiments of the visual perceptual task providedby the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training will bedescribed.

According to an embodiment, in order to improve the effect of visualperceptual learning, the controller 1500 may display, through the outputmodule 1100, a visual object that is generally difficult for a user toclearly focus on.

For example, the controller 1500 may display a screen providing a visualperceptual task including a stimulus for accommodation through theoutput module 1100. Specifically, the controller 1500 may display ascreen for a visual perceptual task including a Gabor patch, letters,and the like through the output module 1100.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display a firstvisual object in a letter type through the output module 1100.

For example, the controller 1500 may display the first visual object asa lowercase letter, a vowel, a consonant, or the like. Specifically, thecontroller 1500 may provide the first visual object 11 as at least oneof English alphabets.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display the secondvisual object 21 as a Gabor patch. A Gabor patch is a patch using aseries of differences of Gaussians (DOG) stimuli, which appear asblurred lines, as a pattern made of dark and light stripes in a desireddirection and at a desired angle. In general, the Gabor patch is treatedas patterns that are optimized to stimulate unused human photoreceptors.Accordingly, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayimprove brain plasticity by the user's visual perceptual learning bydisplaying the Gabor patch.

For example, the controller 1500 may provide the second visual object 21as a Gabor patch in which the direction, angle, brightness, or the likeof the stripes are variously adjusted. Specifically, the controller 1500may provide the second visual object as a Gabor patch having vertical orhorizontal stripes, or the like.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may request a responserelated to the visual objects from the user.

For example, the controller 1500 may obtain the user's responsesrespectively related to the first visual object and the second visualobject from the input module 1200. Specifically, the controller 1500 mayobtain, from the input module 1200, the user's response for identifyingwhich first visual object 11 is displayed and the user's response foridentifying which second visual object 21 is displayed, individually.

Of course, the controller 1500 may request a response from the userrelated to the visual objects in other methods, such as a method ofobtaining one response related to the relationship between the firstvisual object and the second visual object (e.g., one response that thevisual objects are different from each other) from the input module1200.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a screen for providing a visual perceptualtask according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , the controller 1500 may display the screen 10 fora visual perceptual task including at least one of a character 12 and aGabor patch 22 through the output module 1100.

For example, the controller 1500 may request and obtain a responserelated to which character of the Korean consonant “ ” or “ ” isdisplayed, as the first visual object 21. Also, the controller 1500 mayrequest and obtain a response related to which Gabor patch is displayedamong a Gabor patch having a vertical pattern direction or a Gabor patchhaving a horizontal pattern direction as the second visual object 22.

Of course, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training maychange and provide the visual objects, such as providing the firstvisual object as a Gabor patch and providing the second visual object asa letter type, without being limited to the above-described method.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may provide a visual perceptual task for receivingone response related to the relationship between the displayed visualobjects. In this case, the user's ability to perform a visual perceptualtask increases compared to the case where the user identifies eachvisual object, so that the effect of visual perceptual learning throughthe apparatus 100 for providing visual perceptual training may beimproved. To this end, the device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining may display visual objects having specific attributes.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display the sametype of visual objects through the output module 1100. Specifically, thecontroller 1500 may display a first visual object and a second visualobject that are Gabor patches through the output module 1100. Here, thedisplayed visual objects may have specific attributes, and theattributes may be, for example, existence or absence, contrast, size,shape, color, display time, shape, brightness, movement, rotation,pattern, depth, and the like.

Of course, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training maydisplay visual objects through the output module 1100 in other methods,such as displaying first and second visual objects having the sameattributes but having different types through the output module 1100.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may request a responseto the relationship between the displayed first and second visualobjects from a user.

For example, the controller 1500 may obtain a user's responsedetermining whether the first visual object and the second visual objectare the same. Specifically, when the first visual object and the secondvisual object are Gabor patches, the controller 1500 may obtain a user'sresponse determining whether both visual objects exist or not, orwhether the contrasts, sizes, shapes, colors, display times,brightnesses, movements, rotations, patterns, depths, or the like of theboth visual objects are the same.

As another example, the controller 1500 may obtain a user's responseidentifying whether the attributes of the first visual object and thesecond visual object are the same. Specifically, when the first visualobject and the second visual object are Gabor patches, the controller1500 may obtain the user's response for identifying whether the patternfrequencies, pattern directions, pattern widths, pattern contrasts, orthe like of both visual objects are the same.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may increase or decreasethe difficulty of the visual perceptual task by changing the differencebetween the visual objects.

The controller 1500 may increase the difficulty of the visual perceptualtask by reducing a difference between specific attributes of the firstand second visual objects. For example, the controller 1500 may increasethe difficulty of the visual perceptual task by reducing a difference inpattern directions of the first and second visual objects. As anotherexample, the controller 1500 may increase the difficulty of the visualperceptual task by reducing the difference between the rotationdirections of the first and second visual objects. Also, the controller1500 may increase the difficulty of the visual perceptual task byreducing a difference in depth between the first and second visualobjects.

FIGS. 11 to 13 are diagrams showing screens for providing a visualperceptual task according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 11 , the device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining may display a visual object having a specific patterndirection.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may display thescreen 10 including a first Gabor patch 13 and a second Gabor patch 23respectively having specific pattern directions. In this case, the Gaborpatches 13 and 23 may be provided as at least one of a Gabor patchhaving a pattern in a horizontal direction and a Gabor patch having apattern in a vertical direction.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may request aresponse related to the pattern direction of the first Gabor patch 13and the second Gabor patch 23 from a user. For example, the device 100for providing visual perceptual training may request, from the user, aresponse regarding whether the pattern direction of the first Gaborpatch 13 and the pattern direction of the second Gabor patch 23 are thesame. Specifically, the user may need to provide a response that thepattern directions of both Gabor patches 13 and 23 are different,because the pattern direction of the first Gabor patch 13 is thehorizontal direction, and the pattern direction of the second Gaborpatch 23 is the vertical direction.

Of course, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayprovide visual objects in different ways, such as providing the firstvisual object and the second visual object in different colors or indifferent shapes, and request a related response for each visual objectfrom the user, without being limited to the above-described method.

Referring to FIG. 12 , the device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining may display a visual object rotating in a specific direction.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may display thescreen 10 including a first Gabor patch 14 and a second Gabor patch 24that rotate in specific directions. For example, the Gabor patches 14and 24 may be provided as at least one of a Gabor patch rotating in aclockwise direction with respect to an axis and a Gabor patch rotatingin a counterclockwise direction with respect to the axis.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may request aresponse related to the rotational direction of the first Gabor patch 14and the second Gabor patch 24 from a user. For example, the device 100for providing visual perceptual training may request a response from theuser regarding whether the first rotational direction of the first Gaborpatch 14 and the second rotational direction of the second Gabor patch24 are the same. Specifically, the user may need to provide a responsethat the rotational directions of both Gabor patches 14 and 24 aredifferent, because the rotational direction of the first Gabor patch 14is the counterclockwise direction with respect to the axis and therotational direction of the second Gabor patch 24 in the clockwisedirection with respect to the axis.

Of course, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayprovide visual objects in different ways, such as providing the firstvisual object and the second visual object in different colors or indifferent shapes, and request a related response for each visual objectfrom the user, without being limited to the above-described method.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the device 100 for providing visual perceptualtraining may display a visual object having a specific depth.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may display thescreen 10 including a first FIG. 15 and a second FIG. 25 respectivelyhaving specific depths. Here, each of the FIGS. 15 and 25 may beprovided as at least one of a figure displayed at a deep depth and afigure displayed at a shallow depth.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may request aresponse related to the depths of the first FIG. 15 and the second FIG.25 from a user. For example, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may request a response regarding whether the depthof the first FIG. 15 and the depth of the second FIG. 25 are the samefrom the user. Specifically, the user may need to provide a responsethat the depths of the Gabor patches 15 and 25 are different because thedepth of the first Gabor patch 15 is shallow and the depth of the secondGabor patch 25 is deep.

It is noted that the device 100 for providing visual perceptual trainingmay provide visual objects in different ways, such as providing thefirst visual object and the second visual object in different colors orin different shapes, and request a related response for each visualobject from the user, without being limited to the above-describedmethod.

Brain plasticity due to visual perceptual learning is increased when theuser's defect region or its surroundings are stimulated through thevisual perceptual task. In addition, a region of the field of vision inwhich the vision ability is improved over time by the method ofproviding visual perceptual training through the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training or other conventional trainingproviding methods has superior improvement effect than other regions,and is expected to be more likely to the vision ability. Conversely, aregion of the field of vision in which the vision ability deterioratesover time is a region in which the visual field defect continues toprogress, and the vision ability is more likely to deteriorate.Therefore, it is important for the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training to determine which region to give the mainstimulation.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart for determining a main stimulation regionaccording to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 14 , according to an embodiment, the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training may determine a main stimulationregion (S1200).

The main stimulation region is a high-priority region for training forvisual field deficits, and may mean a region to which a stimulus is tobe mainly given or a visual perceptual task is to be provided in avisual field map.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine a defectregion of the visual field map as the main stimulation region. Forexample, the controller 1500 may determine a region to which a visionindex smaller than a preset vision index in the visual field map isassigned as the main stimulation region. Here, the periphery of theregion determined as the defect region may also be determined as themain stimulation region. For example, a unit region adjacent to thedefect region may also be determined as the main stimulation region.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine the visionability-changed region of the visual field map as a main stimulationregion. For example, the controller 1500 may determine a region with achange in the vision index assigned between the first visual field mapand the second visual field map acquired at different points of time asthe main stimulation region.

Vision ability should be broadly interpreted as a concept that includesnot only the ability of the eye, which is often measured according tothe ability to identify letters, numbers, symbols, or the like in theorder of size, but also the visual perceptual ability related to objectrecognition in the brain. For example, the eye normally receives visualstimuli, but the brain does not perceive the visual stimuli and does notsee an object, which refers to a poor vision.

According to an embodiment, the vision ability-changed region may mean aregion in which a vision ability is significantly changed. For example,the vision ability-changed region may be a region in which a change invision index is equal to or greater than a preset value. Of course, thevision ability-changed region may be variously determined, such as aregion in which a change in vision index is within a preset range.

Of course, the controller 1500 may determine the main stimulation regionin various methods, such as determining, as the main stimulation region,a lower region of the visual field map, the region to which a visionindex within a specific range is assigned.

In order to increase the visual perceptual improvement effect accordingto training for the determined main stimulation region as describedabove, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training mayintensively provide the visual perceptual task. For example, when thevisual object is displayed a plurality of times, the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training may increase the frequency ofdisplays of the visual object in the main stimulation region.

The method of providing visual perceptual training for a visual fielddefect according to an embodiment may further include determining afrequency for a location at which a visual object is displayed.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine afrequency for a location at which the visual object is displayed on thescreen based on the vision index assigned to the visual field map. Forexample, the controller 1500 may display a visual object more frequentlyin the second region to which a second vision index smaller than a firstvision index is allocated than in a first region to which the firstvision index is allocated.

Here, the visual object may be a second visual object. Of course, thecontroller 1500 may determine a frequency for a location at which avisual object is displayed on a screen in various methods, such asdisplaying the visual object through the output module 1100 morefrequently at the location corresponding to the region to which thevision index within a specific range is assigned than at a locationcorresponding to the remaining regions.

The controller 1500 may determine a main stimulation region anddetermine a frequency for a location at which a visual object isdisplayed on a screen based on the determined main stimulation region.According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine afrequency such that the visual object is displayed more frequently atthe location of the screen corresponding to the main stimulation region.

For example, the controller 1500 may increase the frequency with whichthe second visual object is displayed at a location corresponding to thedefect region. Specifically, the controller 1500 may display the secondvisual object more frequently at a location corresponding to the defectregion than at a location corresponding to the normal region of thevisual field map. In addition, the controller 1500 may display thesecond visual object more frequently at a location corresponding to thedefect region of the visual field map than at a location correspondingto the remaining regions of a plurality of unit regions.

As another example, the controller 1500 may increase the frequency withwhich the second visual object is displayed at a location correspondingto the vision ability-changed region. Specifically, the controller 1500may display the second visual object more frequently at a locationcorresponding to the vision ability-changed region of the visual fieldmap than at a location corresponding to the remaining regions of aplurality of unit regions.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a method for providing visual perceptualtraining according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 15 , a method for providing visual perceptual trainingaccording to an embodiment may include obtaining a visual field map(S1000), providing a first session using a visual perceptual task(S3000), and determining a vision ability-changed region (S4000) andproviding a second session based on the determined visionability-changed region (S5000).

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may obtain a visual field map (S1000).

For example, the controller 1500 may obtain a visual field map based onan evaluation session using the visual perceptual task. Specifically,the controller 1500 may generate a visual field map in which a visionindex reflecting a high vision ability is assigned to a unit regionhaving a high correct answer rate of a response related to the secondvisual object in the evaluation session.

As another example, the controller 1500 may obtain a visual field mapbased on the result of a visual field test for the user.

The above-described contents may be applied as it is for the obtainingof the visual field map (S1000), and thus the more detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may provide a first session using a visualperceptual task (S3000).

The controller 1500 may provide the first session using a visualperceptual task of displaying a first visual object and a second visualobject. For example, the controller 1500 may provide the first sessionusing a visual perceptual task of more frequently displaying a secondvisual object at a location corresponding to a defect region of thevisual field map.

Here, the above-described contents may be applied as it is for thevisual perceptual task used for the first session, and thus the moredetailed description thereof will be omitted.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may determine a vision ability-changed region(S4000).

FIGS. 16 and 17 are diagrams showing changes in a visual field mapsobtained at different points of time. Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , thevisual field map on the right represents a visual field map obtainedafter a predetermined time has elapsed from the time of obtained thevisual field map on the left.

Referring to FIG. 16 , a specific region 31 whose brightness hasincreased (improved vision ability) over time is shown. The controller1500 may determine the region 31 as a vision ability-improved region. Ofcourse, in the case of a visual field map to which a vision index in theform of a score is assigned, the vision ability-improved region may bedetermined in various ways, such as determining a specific region (withimproved vision ability) whose assigned score increases over time as thevision ability-improved region.

Referring to FIG. 17 , a specific region 32 whose brightness has becomedarker (vision ability is lowered) as time elapses is shown. Thecontroller 1500 may determine the region 32 as a visionability-decreased region. Of course, in the case of a visual field mapto which a vision index in the form of a score is assigned, the visionability-decreased region may be determined in various ways, such asdetermining a specific region (with decreased vision ability) whoseassigned score decreases over time as the vision ability-decreasedregion.

According to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may determine a vision ability-changed region bycomparing a first visual field map and a second visual field mapobtained at different points of time. For example, the controller 1500may compare vision indexes assigned to the same unit region in the firstvisual field map and the second visual field map obtained at differentpoints of time, and determine a region with a change in vision index asa vision ability-changed region.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart of a method for determining a visionability-changed region according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18 , a method for determining a vision ability-changedregion according to an embodiment may include obtaining a new visualfield map (S4200), comparing an existing visual field map with the newvisual field map (S4400), and determining a vision ability-changedregion (S4600).

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may obtain a newvisual field map (S4200).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may obtain a new visualfield map based on a user's response in a first session using a visualperceptual task. For example, the controller 1500 may generate a visualfield map based on whether a correct response is provided for each unitregion on a screen in the provided visual perceptual task. Here, thedetails described in the method for generating the visual field mapusing the evaluation session may be applied as it is for the method forgenerating the visual field map, and thus a more detailed descriptionthereof will be omitted.

Of course, the controller 1500 may obtain a new visual field map inanother method, such as obtaining a new visual field map generated basedon the result of a separate visual field test.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may compare theexisting visual field map and the new visual field map (S4400).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may compare anewly-obtained visual field map with a previously-obtained visual fieldmap. For example, the controller 1500 may compare vision indexesassigned to the same unit region of the both visual field maps.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may determine avision ability-changed region (S4600).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine the visionability-changed region based on the result of comparing thenewly-obtained visual field map with a previously-obtained visual fieldmap. For example, the controller 1500 may determine a region in whichthe vision index assigned to the same unit region of the both visualfield maps is changed as a vision ability-changed region. Specifically,when the vision index is in the form of a score, the controller 1500 maydetermine a region in which the vision index increases as compared tothat in the previously-obtained visual field map as a visionability-improved region and a region in which the vision index decreasesas a visual field-deteriorated region.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may update thepreviously-obtained visual field map to determine a visionability-changed region. For example, the controller 1500 may update thepreviously-obtained visual field map based on the user's response fromthe first session.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a method of determining a visionability-changed region according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 19 , a method for determining a vision ability-changedregion according to an embodiment may include obtaining a vision indexfor each unit region based on a first session (S4100), updating anexisting visual field map (S4300), and determining a visionability-changed region (S4500).

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may obtain avision index for each unit region based on the first session (S4100).According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may obtain a visionindex for each unit region based on a user's response in the firstsession using the visual perceptual task. For example, the controller1500 may generate a vision index for each unit region to be updated inthe visual field map based on whether a correct response is provided foreach unit region in the visual perceptual task. Here, the detailsdescribed in the method for generating the visual field map using theevaluation session may be applied as it is for the method of generatingthe vision index, and thus a more detailed description thereof will beomitted.

It is noted that, during or after the first session, the controller 1500may obtain the vision index in another method, such as generating avision index for each unit region to be updated on the visual field mapbased on the result of a separate visual field test.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may update anexisting visual field map (S4300).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may update the existingvisual field map based on the obtained vision index for each unitregion. For example, the controller 1500 may replace a vision indexassigned to each unit region of the existing visual field map with anewly-obtained vision index for each unit region. Here, the controller1500 may compare the vision index assigned to the unit region of theexisting visual field map with the newly-obtained vision index for eachunit region, and replace only the vision index of a region in which avision index is changed.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may determine avision ability-changed region (S4500).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine a visionability-changed region based on the updated visual field map. Forexample, when the vision index assigned to a unit region of the updatedvisual field map is different from the vision index assigned to the sameunit region in the existing visual field map, the controller 1500 maydetermine the corresponding region as a vision ability-changed region.Specifically, when the vision index is in the form of a score, thecontroller 1500 may determine a region in which the vision indexincreases as compared to that in the updated visual field map as avision ability-improved region and a region in which the vision indexdecreases as a visual field-deteriorated region.

Of course, the device 100 for providing visual perceptual training isnot limited to the above-described configuration and may determine avision ability-changed region in another method.

Also, according to an embodiment, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may provide a second session based on the determinedvision ability-changed region (S5000).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may provide a secondsession using a visual perceptual task for displaying a visual objectmore frequently through the output module 1100 at a locationcorresponding to the determined vision ability-changed region on thescreen.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a method for providing a second session basedon a vision ability-changed region according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20 , a method for providing a second session based onthe vision ability-changed region according to an embodiment may includedisplaying a first visual object (S5200), displaying a second visualobject more frequently at a location corresponding to a visionability-changed region (S5400) and requesting a response related to thedisplayed visual objects from a user (S5600).

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may display thefirst visual object (S5200). The controller 1500 may display the firstvisual object for gaze fixation through the output module 1100. Forexample, the controller 1500 may display the first visual object at thecenter point of the screen through the output module 1100 for a user'scentral fixation.

Since the above-described contents may be applied as it is for stepS5200, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may morefrequently display the second visual object at a location correspondingto the vision ability-changed region (S5400).

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display the secondvisual object through the output module 1100 more frequently at alocation corresponding to the vision ability-changed region than atlocations corresponding to the remaining regions of a plurality of unitregions. For example, the controller 1500 may increase the frequency ofdisplay of each unit region of the screen corresponding to the visionability-changed region compared to the frequencies of display for eachunit region of the screen corresponding to the remaining regions of theplurality of unit regions. Of course, the controller 1500 may displaythe second visual object in various methods, such as increasing thenumber of times the second visual object is displayed at the locationcorresponding to the vision ability-changed region rather than thelocations corresponding to the remaining regions of the plurality ofunit regions.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display the secondvisual object through the output module 1100 at a location correspondingto a vision ability-deteriorated region more frequently than at alocation corresponding to a vision ability-improved region. For example,the controller 1500 may increase the frequency of display for each unitregion of the screen corresponding to the vision ability-deterioratedregion than the frequency of display for each unit region of the screencorresponding to the vision ability-improved region. Of course, thecontroller 1500 may display the second visual object in various methods,such as increasing the number of times the second visual object isdisplayed at the location corresponding to the visionability-deteriorated region compared to the position corresponding tothe vision ability-improved region.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may display the secondvisual object through the output module 1100 more frequently in thesecond session than in the first session at the location correspondingto the vision ability-changed region. For example, the controller 1500may increase the frequency of display for each unit region of the screencorresponding to the vision ability-changed region in the second sessionthan that in the first session. Of course, the controller 1500 maydisplay the second visual object in various methods, such as increasingthe number of times the second visual object is displayed at a locationcorresponding to the vision ability-changed region in the second sessionthan that in the first session.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine thefrequency of display of the second visual object based on the degree ofa change in vision ability of the vision ability-changed region. Forexample, the controller 1500 may display the second visual object morenumber of times at a second location (different from a first location)corresponding to the second unit region in which a change in visionability is larger than that of the first unit region, as compared to thefirst location corresponding to the first unit region among the user'svision ability-changed regions.

Specifically, the controller 1500 may display the second visual objectsuch that the frequency of display of the second visual object at aposition corresponding to the first vision ability-changed region isgreater than the frequency of display of the second visual object at aposition corresponding to the second vision ability-changed region whosea change in vision index is smaller than that of in the first visionability-changed region. It is noted that the controller 1500 may displaythe second visual object in various methods, such as a method ofdisplaying the second visual object such that the number of times thesecond visual object is displayed at a position corresponding to thefirst vision ability-changed region is greater than the number of timesthe second visual object is displayed at a position corresponding to thesecond vision ability-changed region whose a change in vision index issmaller than that of in the first vision ability-changed region.

In addition, the controller 1500 may display the second visual objectthrough the output module 1100 in another method, such as a method ofdisplaying the second visual object at a position corresponding to thevision ability-improved region more frequently than a positioncorresponding to the vision ability-deteriorated region.

According to an embodiment, the controller 1500 may determine thefrequency of display of the second visual object in consideration of thetime period in which the vision ability is changed. For example, thecontroller 1500 may display the second visual object at a positioncorresponding to the first vision ability-changed region more frequentlythan at a position corresponding to the second vision ability-changedregion when a change in the vision index of the first visionability-changed region, in which a vision ability is changed for a firsttime period, is identical to a change in the vision index of the secondvision ability-changed region in which a vision ability is changed for asecond time period longer than a first time period. It is noted that thecontroller 1500 may display the second visual object through the outputmodule 1100 in another method, such as a method of displaying the secondvisual object with a frequency opposite to the above-described method.

The device 100 for providing visual perceptual training may request aresponse related to the displayed visual objects from a user (S5600).

The controller 1500 may obtain the user's response related to at leastone of the first visual object and the second visual object from theinput module 1200. For example, the controller 1500 may receive from theinput module 1200 a user's response related to at least one attribute ofthe first visual object and the second visual object.

The above-described contents may be applied as it is for step S5600, andthus, a more detailed description thereof will be omitted.

FIGS. 21 and 22 are examples of screens provided in the first sessionand the second session according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22 , it can be seen that a visual perceptualtask is provided on a screen corresponding to the visual field map inFIG. 4 .

Referring to FIG. 21 , although the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may display a visual object at an arbitrary locationin the first session, it can be seen that the device 100 for providingvisual perceptual training displays the visual object more frequently atthe location 41 corresponding to the defect region of the visual fieldmap. In addition, although the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may display the visual object at an arbitraryposition in the second session, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may display the visual object more frequently at thelocation 42 corresponding to the vision ability-improved regiondetermined based on the existing visual field map and the newly-obtainedvisual field map.

Referring to FIG. 22 , in the first session, the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training may display a visual object at anarbitrary location, but it can be also seen that the device 100 forproviding visual perceptual training displays the visual object morefrequently at the location 43 corresponding to the defect region of thevisual field map. In addition, although the device 100 for providingvisual perceptual training may display the visual object at an arbitraryposition in the second session, the device 100 for providing visualperceptual training may display the visual object more frequently at thelocation 44 corresponding to the vision ability-deteriorated regiondetermined based on the existing visual field map and the newly-obtainedvisual field map.

According to the inventive concept, it is possible to induce a user'sconcentration by using the visual perceptual learning to identify visualobjects, and to increase the visual perceptual learning effect.

In addition, according to the inventive concept, it is possible tominimize the decrease in vision ability or to increase the visual fieldimprovement by adjusting the frequency of training of the region inwhich the vision ability is improved or deteriorated through visualperceptual learning.

The above-described methods may be embodied in the form of programinstructions that can be executed by various computer means and recordedon a computer-readable medium. The computer readable medium may includeprogram instructions, data files, data structures, and the like, aloneor in combination. Program instructions recorded on the media may bethose specially designed and constructed for the purposes of theinventive concept, or they may be of the kind well-known and availableto those having skill in the computer software arts. Examples ofcomputer readable recording media include magnetic media such as harddisks, floppy disks and magnetic tape, optical media such as CD-ROMs,DVDs, and magnetic disks such as floppy disks, Magneto-optical media,and hardware devices specifically configured to store and executeprogram instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, and the like.Examples of program instructions include not only machine code generatedby a compiler, but also high-level language code that can be executed bya computer using an interpreter or the like. The hardware devicedescribed above may be configured to operate as one or more softwaremodules to perform the operations of the present disclosure, and viceversa.

Although the embodiments have been described by the limited embodimentsand the drawings as described above, various modifications andvariations are possible to those skilled in the art from the abovedescription. For example, the described techniques may be performed in adifferent order than the described method, and/or components of thedescribed systems, structures, devices, circuits, etc. may be combinedor combined in a different form than the described method, or othercomponents, or even when replaced or substituted by equivalents, anappropriate result can be achieved.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents tothe claims are within the scope of the following claims.

While the inventive concept has been described with reference toembodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art thatvarious changes and modifications may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the inventive concept. Therefore, it should beunderstood that the above embodiments are not limiting, butillustrative.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for providing visual perceptual training using visual perceptual learning, the method being performed by an device for providing visual perceptual training, the method comprising: obtaining a visual field map having a plurality of unit regions to which a vision index reflecting a user's vision ability is assigned; displaying a first visual object for central fixation of the user's visual field and at least one second visual object around the first visual object; providing a first session using a visual perceptual task for requesting a response related to the second visual object from the user; determining a vision ability-changed region among the plurality of unit regions based on the response of the user from the first session; and providing a second session using the visual perceptual task, wherein the second session displays the second visual object at a location corresponding to the vision ability-changed region more frequently than at locations corresponding to remaining regions of the plurality of unit regions.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the response of the user is related to an attribute of the second visual object, and wherein the attributes of the second visual object include at least one of existence or absence, contrast, size, shape, color, display time, brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, and depth.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the response of the user is as to whether the attributes of the first visual object and the second visual object are the same.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the second visual object is displayed more number of times at a second location corresponding to a second unit region in which a change in vision ability is larger than that of a first unit region, as compared to a first location corresponding to the first unit region among the user's vision ability-changed regions, and wherein the first location is different from the second location.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein the vision ability-changed region is determined as a region in which the vision index changes by more than a predetermined value among the plurality of unit regions.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the vision ability-changed region includes at least one of a vision ability-improved region reflecting improvement of the user's vision ability and a vision ability-deteriorated region reflecting deterioration of the user's vision ability.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the second visual object in the second session is displayed more number of times at a location corresponding to the vision ability-deteriorated region, compared to at a location corresponding to the vision ability-improved region.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein the visual perceptual task requests an additional response related to the first visual object from the user, wherein the additional response relates to an attribute of the first visual object, and wherein the attributes of the first visual object include at least one of existence or absence, contrast, size, shape, color, display time, brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, and depth.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the obtaining of the visual field map includes providing an evaluation session using the visual perceptual task; and generating the visual field map based on the evaluation session, wherein the visual field map is generated based on whether a response related to the second visual object is correct in the evaluation session.
 10. The method of claim 9, wherein a first vision index is assigned to a first unit region having a first correct rate with respect to a response related to the second visual object, wherein a second vision index is assigned to a second unit region having a second correct rate greater than the first correct rate with respect to a response related to the second visual object, and wherein the second vision index reflects a higher vision ability than the first vision index,
 11. A device for providing visual perceptual training using visual perceptual learning, comprising: a display; an input module configured to obtain a signal corresponding to an input of a user; and a controller configured to control an operation related to the visual perceptual training using the visual perceptual learning, wherein the controller is configured to: obtain a visual field map having a plurality of unit regions to which a vision index reflecting a user's vision ability is assigned; allow the display to display a first visual object for central fixation of a user's visual field and at least one second visual object around the first visual object; provide a first session using a visual perceptual task for requesting a response related to the second visual object from the user; determine a vision ability-changed region among a plurality of unit regions based on the response of the user obtained through the input module from the first session; and provide a second session using the visual perceptual task, wherein the second session displays the second visual object at a location corresponding to the vision ability-changed region more frequently than at locations corresponding to remaining regions of the plurality of unit regions.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the response of the user is related to an attribute of the second visual object, and wherein the attributes of the second visual object include at least one of existence or absence, contrast, size, shape, color, display time, brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, and depth.
 13. The device of claim 11, wherein the response of the user is as to whether the attributes of the first visual object and the second visual object are the same.
 14. The device of claim 11, wherein the second visual object is displayed more number of times at a second location corresponding to a second unit region in which a change in vision ability is larger than that of a first unit region, as compared to a first location corresponding to the first unit region among the user's vision ability-changed regions, and wherein the first location is different from the second location.
 15. The device of claim 11, wherein the vision ability-changed region is determined as a region in which the vision index changes by more than a predetermined value among the plurality of unit regions.
 16. The device of claim 11, wherein the vision ability-changed region includes at least one of a vision ability-improved region reflecting improvement of the user's vision ability and a vision ability-deteriorated region reflecting deterioration of the user's vision ability.
 17. The device of claim 16, wherein the second visual object in the second session is displayed more number of times at a location corresponding to the vision ability-deteriorated region, compared to at a location corresponding to the vision ability-improved region.
 18. The device of claim 11, wherein the visual perceptual task requests an additional response related to the first visual object from the user, wherein the additional response relates to an attribute of the first visual object, and wherein the attributes of the first visual object include at least one of existence or absence, contrast, size, shape, color, display time, brightness, movement, rotation, pattern, and depth.
 19. The device of claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to provide an evaluation session using the visual perceptual task, and generate the visual field map based on the evaluation session when obtaining the visual field map, and wherein the visual field map is generated based on whether a response related to the second visual object is correct in the evaluation session.
 20. The device of claim 19, wherein the first vision index is assigned to a first unit region having a first correct rate with respect to a response related to the second visual object, wherein a second vision index is assigned to a second unit region having a second correct rate greater than the first correct rate with respect to a response related to the second visual object, and wherein the second vision index reflects a higher vision ability than the first vision index. 